Since you are interested in Opera's Greatest Moments, here is a list of other items that you may find interesting.
ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK
Humperdinck: Hansel und Gretel (Complete opera) (Rec 1953) (plus earlier recordings of excerpts) Elisabeth Schwarzkopf (soprano) Anny Felbermayer (soprano) Ines Maria Ferraris (soprano) Elisabeth Grummer (soprano) Herbert von Karajan (cond) [ Naxos Historic Opera / 2 CD - released 1/Feb/2005 ] "The cast is ideal. This type of music suits Schwarzkopf to a tee. Her clarity of tone and expression, coupled with her diction, is perfect for the role of Gretel. Her opposite number, her Hänsel, is Elisabeth Grümmer, in fine fettle here" - Bargain... |
GIACOMO MEYERBEER
Meyerbeer: Semiramide (complete opera) Deborah Riedel / Filippo Adami / Altensteig Rossini Choir / Wurttemberg Philharmonic Orchestra / Richard Bonynge (Conductor) [ Naxos Opera / 2 CD - released 16/Jul/2006 ] "An interesting and very worthwhile release that throws light on a neglected corner of Meyerbeer's career. It is even more welcome as it is well performed and decently recorded" (MusicWeb Nov 2006) |
W.A. MOZART
Cosi fan tutte (complete opera recorded in 1954) Elisabeth Scwarzkopf / Sesto Bruscantini / Nan Merriman / Philharmonia Orchestra / Herbert Von Karajan [ Naxos Historical Great Operas / 3 CD - released 15/Aug/2006 ] The Gramophone reviewer felt "the casting is ideal". He also commented that "Schwarzkopf is in splendid voice as the sentimental Fiordiligi, Merriman equally good as the practical Dorabella, and Otto is a good Despina and very amusing in her assumed... |
VARIOUS COMPOSERS
Dance Of The Blessed Spirits Nora Shulman (flute), Judy Loman (harp) [ Naxos / CD - released 22/Sep/2007 ] Ever since the Renaissance imagined an Arcadian paradise of rustic pan-pipes and sweet-plucked Orphean lyres, the fancifully associative sound and visual interplay of flute and harp has drawn composers and arrangers, with Mozart's alluring duo... |